This is first intellectual history of the Caribbean written by a top Caribbean studies scholar. The book examines both the work of natives of the region as well as texts interpretive of the region produced by Western authors. Stressing the experimental and cultural particularity of the Caribbean, the study considers major questions in the field.

SILVIO TORRES-SAILLANT is Associate Professor of English and Director of the Latino-Latin American Studies Programme, Syracuse University, New York, USA.